Graduation is bearing down. You’ve completed your studies and will soon walk the stage to receive your degree. It’s an incredibly rewarding accomplishment anyone should be proud of! But what’s next? How do you make the most of your education and find success in life after school?
1. Stay true to yourself.
Your goals and dreams are yours. You’re passionate about ideas and causes that might not resonate with others. You have talents, skills, interests, and values that are uniquely your own, honed by your own experiences and background. They even help you measure your own success–after all, the decision to be proud of yourself is up to you!
If your picture of success is to land a well-paying job downtown, set the vision in your mind. You can achieve it. Get your portfolio in order—résumé, cover letter, references, and work samples. Put the essential elements in place to present yourself professionally on LinkedIn. You know the drill; now go out and conquer!
Keep in mind the journey to the top is winding. It takes time. Remain patient and stay calm. Your degree and your résumé will get your foot in the door; it’s up to you to show the corporate world you are knowledgeable, prepared, capable…and unstoppable.
Excellence is a series of small things consistently done well.
And if your picture of success is you looking amazing in your cap and gown—congratulations! You are a role model and have much to be proud of!
No matter how you define success, recognize that you will always be a student and will always have opportunities to grow and discover. Be patient in the journey.
2. Have a game plan.
The cliché is true—there’s no road map for success. But you need a strategy and a sense of direction. Any sports fan knows a good game plan has every tool and trick play at the ready for just the right moment.
3. There’s not a cookie-cutter experience.
In school, the expectations for earning an “A” are clearly defined right there in the syllabus. Some professors might even provide a rubric for projects and assignments to detail how your work will be assessed. If only the rest of life were so clear.
One of the toughest lessons to learn is that what worked for one person to realize their dreams and achieve success will more than likely not work for you. And that’s ok. Stay persistent and remain true to your own dreams and goals. You’ll forge your own path, and it will be glorious.
When you start college courses as an adult, you’re already a weathered veteran. You possess working skills and professional knowledge. At Amberton, students graduate with refined techniques and improved skills, adding to your value as an employee.
Click for a video of Dr. Di Ann Sanchez explaining how Amberton graduates have a leg up on their journey to success after college.
